Family Sponsorship Checklist: What You Need to Qualify

Family reunification is a core component of immigration policy in many countries, especially in Canada. Through family sponsorship programs, citizens and permanent residents can bring their loved ones to live with them. But before you apply, it’s crucial to understand the family sponsorship requirements and ensure you meet all the criteria. This blog outlines a detailed checklist to help you qualify with confidence.

1. Understand Who You Can Sponsor

Not everyone qualifies to be sponsored, and not every relationship is eligible. Here's who you can typically sponsor under most family sponsorship streams:

• Spouse or common-law partner

• Dependent children (biological or adopted)

• Parents and grandparents (in limited intakes)

• Orphaned siblings, nieces, or nephews under 18 (in rare cases)

• Other relatives only in exceptional circumstances (when you have no other living relatives)

Each category has unique conditions, but the first step is confirming that your relationship with the applicant qualifies.

2. Check Your Eligibility as a Sponsor

You must meet specific family sponsorship requirements to be considered eligible. These usually include:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.

• Status in the Country: You must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.

• Residency: If you’re a citizen living outside Canada, you must prove you’ll live in Canada with the sponsored individual once they arrive.

• No Criminal Convictions: You must not have been convicted of a violent or sexual offense or any offense against a relative.

• No Defaulted Sponsorships or Debts: You cannot owe immigration loans, child support, or have previously defaulted on sponsorship undertakings.

• Not in Jail or Bankrupt: You must not be in prison or undischarged bankruptcy.

3. Meet Financial Support Requirements

One of the most important family sponsorship requirements is the financial ability to support the person you are sponsoring. Here’s what this involves:

• Undertaking Period: When you sponsor someone, you sign a contract (called an “undertaking”) promising to support them financially for a specific number of years—ranging from 3 to 20 years depending on the relationship.

• Minimum Necessary Income (MNI): For sponsoring parents and grandparents, you must show proof of income over the past 3 years that meets or exceeds the MNI level.

• No Social Assistance: The sponsored person cannot rely on government assistance during the undertaking period.

You may also require a co-signer, typically a spouse, to meet the income threshold.

4. Gather the Right Documents

Before submitting your application, gather all the required documents. Incomplete files often lead to delays or rejections. You will typically need:

• Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, photos, communication history)

• Immigration status documents (PR card, citizenship certificate, passport)

• Financial documents (tax returns, employment letters, bank statements)

• Identity documents for the person being sponsored

• Completed application forms specific to the sponsorship category

Always double-check against the official checklist provided by immigration authorities for your specific country.

5. Pay Applicable Fees

There are government fees associated with sponsorship applications, including:

• Sponsorship fee

• Processing fee for the sponsored person

• Right of permanent residence fee (if applicable)

• Biometrics fee

Ensure you pay the correct amount, submit receipts, and follow the payment instructions closely to avoid delays.

6. Understand the Processing Times

The time it takes to process your sponsorship application depends on:

• The type of relationship

• Country of origin of the sponsored person

• Accuracy and completeness of your application

• Current backlog and volume of applications

Spousal sponsorships may take 12 months, while parent/grandparent sponsorships can take significantly longer. Track your application online and be ready to provide additional documents if requested.

7. Avoid Common Mistakes

Many applications are refused due to avoidable errors. To ensure your family sponsorship meets all requirements, avoid:

• Submitting incomplete forms

• Failing to sign the undertaking properly

• Providing insufficient proof of relationship

• Not updating address or contact info during processing

• Missing deadlines for biometrics or interviews

Hiring an immigration lawyer or consultant can significantly increase your chances of success, especially in complex cases.

Final Thoughts

Bringing a loved one to live with you is a deeply rewarding experience, but it requires careful preparation. By understanding and meeting all the family sponsorship requirements, you can avoid delays and set your family up for success. Use this checklist as your roadmap—from verifying eligibility to submitting a complete, well-prepared application.